Why there is no academic freedom in Malaysia

All university staff and students are required to swear allegiance to the BN Government, rather than the constitution of Malaysia or the Agong (King). They must promise to follow directions of their immediate superiors and the government of the day without question or criticism.

Some academics tried to oppose the swearing of allegiance to the BN Government a few years ago to no avail.

The fact is today Malaysian public universities don't make independent decisions about their respective missions, hiring of academic leaders, and recruitment of staff, student intake, and the introduction of new programs and courses. This is still completely in the hands of the ministry.

The Education Ministry strictly controls what courses any university may offer, and all curriculum must be approved prior to teaching. The ministry has even specified some compulsory subjects that must be taken by all students in Malaysia such as Asian Civilization and Malay Studies. Some argue these subjects are controversial in the religious views put forward.

Malaysian universities are part of the apparatus of government rather than being an independent source of ideas and policy.

There have been numerous cases where students and academics have faced intimidation and other sanctions, including prosecution for expression in the media or organizing events which university administrators don't like.

Recently at the International Islamic University near Kuala Lumpur, two students were given a one year suspension each for organizing a meeting on campus where an opposition politician was invited to speak.

Earlier this year, Dr. Khoo Ying Hooi, a senior lecturer in the Department of International and Strategic Studies at University Malaya was put under criminal investigation for possible violation of defamation laws, after she wrote an article in The Malaysian Insider titled "Who Owns the Police?"

Late in 2014, eight students from University Malaya faced disciplinary proceedings for their involvement in a rally on campus for the then Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim.

Dr. Abdul Aziz Bari, a law professor at University Selangor (UNISEL), was charged with sedition over his statements and articles written about the constitutional limitations and powers of the Sultan of Selangor.

Another academic Dr. Azmi Sharom, a law lecturer from University Malaya was also charged with sedition after commenting publicly about the constitutional crisis in Selangor.

A group of students from University Malaya last year faced disciplinary action after they protested against the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) during a visit by US President Obama to the campus.